Open CLI

xh

scriptabledata
$ brew install xh
Summary

HTTP requests, curl alternative, and api testing from the terminal.

  • xh fits data & db well, especially for http requests, curl alternative, and api testing from the terminal.
  • 1,429 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.
  • Good fit for coding-agent workflows and repeatable scripts.
  • Output is mostly text-first, so verify results before scripting around it.
database-xh-SKILL.md

Xh guide

HTTP requests, curl alternative, and api testing from the terminal. Built by ducaale.

Open CLI packages the install path, verify step, and safe-start workflow so this tool can move from “interesting CLI” to something you can actually use. It also integrates with skills.sh so each CLI comes with the right companion skills, not just a binary and a docs link.

When to apply

  • http requests, curl alternative, and api testing from the terminal.
  • You need data processing in both local dev and CI.
  • You need http requests.
  • You need curl alternative.
  • You need api testing.

Quick reference

Installbrew install xh
Verifyxh --version
First real commandxh https://api.github.com/repos/vercel/next.js

Open CLI × skills.sh

Open CLI integrates xh with the right skills.sh companions so you get the tool and the workflow together.

Data Analysis

Recommended pairing

Open CLI recommends this skills.sh skill because it fits data workflows. Turn query output and flat files into usable insights faster.

View on skills.sh
$ npx skills add https://github.com/supercent-io/skills-template --skill data-analysis
Starter prompt

Use xh together with the Data Analysis skills.sh skill. Start with safe inspection commands, summarize what you find, and ask before any step with side effects.

Also useful from skills.sh
Codebase Searchskills.shWorkflow Automationskills.sh

Why this tool

  • xh fits data & db well, especially for http requests, curl alternative, and api testing from the terminal.
  • 1,429 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Watch-outs

  • Needs network access.
  • Output is mostly plain text.

Example workflow

1. xh https://api.github.com/repos/vercel/next.js

Safe start

Step 1

Install xh.

Step 2

Run `xh --version` first.

Step 3

Start with `xh https://api.github.com/repos/vercel/next.js`.

Step 4

Install a CLI that matches your database engine.

Alternatives worth considering

http

API testing, readable http, and debugging endpoints from the terminal.

jq

JSON processing, apis, and agent output parsing from the terminal.

yq

YAML processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal.